Warning on sweatshops issued in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — Anti-sweatshop activists turned out at the Maine State House as part of a national effort to warn about federal, state and local tax dollars being used to buy products made in sweatshops.

According to a new report released Wednesday by a group known as SweatFree Communities, more local and state governments are adopting policies to require government contractors to meet ethical standards.

Organizers describe Maine as a leader of a Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium. They said other states and cities that have committed to join the consortium include the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Milwaukee.